Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a genetic disease affecting the part of the nervous system that controls voluntary muscle movement. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, involving progressive muscle wasting and mobility impairment. SMA is said to be a disease that robs people of physical strength by affecting the motor nerve cells in the spinal cord, taking away the ability to walk, eat or breathe.
For Santa Clarita resident Carrie Habert, dealing with SMA has become a way of life. Born with SMA, it wasn’t until years progressed that she was diagnosed with the rare neuromuscular disease.
During her teen years, Carrie had to undergo two major surgeries, which consisted of the fusion of both ankles and an eight inch steel rod inserted in her back. “I am the original Bionic Woman,” smiles Carrie. “However, shortly after my recuperation, I discovered that I could no longer walk, and therefore was permanently confined to a wheelchair.” Although she endured tremendous obstacles throughout her young life, her parents and sister never treated her different, often lifting her spirits.
Now, as an adult, Carrie wants to be a roll model for people with disabilities. “I am so blessed and grateful for all the things in my life and for what my parents have taught and instilled in me. Everyday I strive to do my best, no matter how many struggles and challenges I may face. I do not allow my disability to define who I am, instead it drives me to achieve my goals and become a strong, compassionate and inspirational person.”
As a way of giving back for all that the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) has done for her, Carrie is trying to raise $17,460 for Muscular Dystrophy research. “I know this is a far stretch, but I am so very eager and motivated to reach out to my community to get as much exposure and help as possible.”
Carrie’s first fundraising endeavor was in 2014 for the Los Angeles MDA Muscle Walk. During this event, she raised nearly $6,000…nearly doubling her original goal. At the end of the Muscle Walk, she was given 30 Muscle Walk T-shirts. She and her friend Helen Cherry (a cancer survivor) along with her cousin Debbie Starkebaum, whose husband died of ALS, designed and made a beautiful 8’ x 10’ quilt.
“My goal is to send this quilt to the National MDA headquarters in Chicago, a journey of 1,746 miles,” states Carrie. “For each mile of the trip, I am hoping to get a donation of $10 which will enable me to reach my goal of $17,460.”
Carrie will also be showing her support and fundraising for the 2015 MDA Muscle Walk of Los Angeles, which is scheduled for April 18 at L.A. Live with registration beginning at 7:30 a.m. and the walk at 9 a.m.
If you would like to make a small donation to help Carrie reach her goal visit http://bndfr.com/Yx5j5. For more information about the MDA Muscle Walk of Los Angeles, visit www.mdausa.org.